Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or Benign positional vertigo, is a disorder of the inner ear, causing a misperception of motion or spinning that is often described as dizziness (vertigo) and represents a disorder of the vestibular proprioceptive system.

Benign positional vertigo is caused by calcium carbonate particles called otoliths that become inappropriately displaced into the semicircular canals of the vestibular labyrinth of the inner ear. These misplaced otothiths cause vertigo when there are sudden movements of the head.

Of all the causes of vertigo, benign positional vertigo is the most common, and about 40% of patients who present to the doctor with the complaint of dizziness have BPV. Although Benign positional vertigo is usually "benign", it can be chronic and severely incapacitating.

The average age of onset is 55, and vertigo in young people is more likely to be caused by labyrinthitis (associated with hearing loss) or vestibular neuronitis (associated with normal hearing).

BPV can readily be diagnosed in the emergency department. BPV is one of the few neurologic entities the emergency physician can cure at the patient's bedside by performing a series of simple and safe head-hanging maneuvers.

If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo, then see your healthcare provider.